Villa: "Torres and I have helped one another improve"

The Spanish national team's all-time top goalscorer, David Villa, refuted suggestions of tension in the 'La Roja' ranks, insisting that the players are on the same page and united in their desire to conquer the Confederations Cup.

Following his disagreement with Fernando Torres during the Tahiti match, the Barça striker claimed that his relationship with the Chelsea marksman is "fantastic". "We've been playing together for a long time and have helped one another improve. We know that Spain winning trophies is all that matters. Individual awards - and I hope they all go to Spanish players - are a secondary issue".

Villa also denied being extra-anxious to score: "Really, that's not the case. Some days things fall for you and on other days they don't. Of course goals are always on forwards' minds, because they are our bread and butter, but you end up thinking more about the chances you miss than the ones you put away".

Discussing his limited playing time for Barcelona this year, Villa noted: "I'm here to help the team, as I always am. This hasn't been my best year. It's not that I've come into the tournament at a disadvantage compared to my teammates, but it has been a slightly unusual situation". "I have never felt untouchable in the national team. I'm just an ordinary member of a squad that is striving to keep winning", he concluded.